CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Albemarle County has lifted its nearly three-week old burn ban. When November wildfires proliferated through the western third of the Commonwealth… including one that ignited at the top of Afton Mountain from an I-64 vehicle fire… the county implemented the ban because of drought and wildfire susceptibility conditions.

Today, the Virginia Department of Forestry rates the wildfire risk in Albemarle County at the lightest 1 on the 5-point scale. The county’s drought index has improved appreciably with a 12 rating — when 0 is complete ground saturation and 800 is desert-like conditions. County fire leaders say recent rainfall has effectively dampened the ground and foliage.

Therefore, the burn ban instituted November 17 is over, and Albemarle residents can resume open burning, but are urged to remain fire-aware.